Editorial: Common Core standards are not an attempt to bring public education under Big Brother

It is puzzling that while public education reform throughout the United States is an important priority, a key weapon in improving student performance is facing determined opposition.

That is what is happening with Common Core standards in state legislatures and local communities across the nation.

Yet, as education and business leaders advocate for more high school graduates who can fill 21st century jobs and compete with students globally, the objections seem shortsighted and, in some cases, amount to fear mongering.

On average 16 other industrialized countries scored above the United States in science, and 23 scored above the U.S. in math, according to a recent study. While the Common Core is not a magic bullet to close this gap, it does have the potential to provide a consistent learning standard for students in states taking part — helping to close that international learning gap.

The Tennessee Board of Education adopted Common Core standards for math and English/language arts in 2010 as part of a successful effort to win federal funding under the “Race to the Top” law, earning Tennessee $500 million in federal money for education.

Now opponents are urging legislators to dump Common Core. Their opposition mirrors complaints across the country. It is a move to federalized education. It is just another attempt to put us under one world order. It is taking education decisions out of local hands.

Common Core is none of those. It is a way to make sure our children are learning at a consistent level. That “A” in math in Seattle Public Schools is the same as an “A” in math in Shelby County Schools.

What is the problem with that, especially when it helps us compete globally?